The Great Zaire (Congo) River Expedition 50th
Anniversary
Tuesday 12th November at 1830hrs, at the Royal
Geographical Society 1 Kensington Gore London SW7 2AR
The SES is commemorating the 50th anniversary of this large-scale expedition that navigated almost
all the 2700 miles of the hazardous Zaire (now Congo) river, shooting enormous rapids, and carrying out important research into “River Blindness” eye disease and a wide variety of scientific
projects.
Pioneering the use of giant inflatable craft and jet boats, it was supported by the Armed Forces, the Natural
History Museum, the Scientific Exploration Society, the Daily Telegraph, Survival Anglia TV, and the RAC. The late Prince Philip assisted the project and helped to obtain the newly produced New
Zealand Hamilton Jet Boats for it. The giant 40-foot inflatable craft were used to navigate the huge cataracts.
It also commemorated the centenary of Sir Henry Morton Stanley’s 999 day crossing of Africa.
Led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell, over 170 servicemen, scientists and medical experts from ten different
countries took part in one of the largest British expeditions ever launched. Books and TV films were produced and amazingly, no lives were lost. Richard Snailham wrote the official history of the
epic adventure for the SES entitled “A Giant Amongst Rivers”,
Following the expedition John Blashford-Snell and the team were awarded the Segrave Trophy at the RAC. The
anniversary event is raising funds to assist future generations of explorers.
Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite, price £24.54 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-zaire-congo-river-expedition-50th-anniversary-tickets-857113217707?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
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